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20D possible purchase advice (vs 350D)

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Neilster

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Hi There

This is my first post here and need some advice pls!

I have the option of buying a boxed (unopened) EOS 20D with the EF-S 18-55 lens direct from a distributor which is auctioning it off (ends friday). I run a UK custom PC company and was thinking about upgrading the Olympus C-750 we use for web and advert pictures for the company. It simply doesn't cut it any more and is increasingly frustrating to use, esp indoors even with a decent DIY light box. I will be using it half for company work (pics of PCs and components) and half as I want to get in to photography properly.

So it boils down to this - how much should I be prepared to part with for the 20D does it make more sense to go for a new 350D. My limit is £450.

Btw, I have read the 20D review (took 1/2 an hour or so!!!)

Thanks for any thoughts and advice.

Neil
 
Unless you need the five frames-per-second of the 20D, the slightly faster auto-focus, and 3200 ISO capability, the 350D will serve you just fine. From 100 to 1600 ISO, there is virtually no difference in image quality. And, unless you are shooting sports or fast moving subjects, the faster frame rate and AF of the 20D will not be worth the extra expense.
 
Jay Adeff said:
Unless you need the five frames-per-second of the 20D, the slightly
faster auto-focus, and 3200 ISO capability, the 350D will serve you
just fine. From 100 to 1600 ISO, there is virtually no difference
in image quality. And, unless you are shooting sports or fast
moving subjects, the faster frame rate and AF of the 20D will not
be worth the extra expense.
Click to expand...
--You didn't mention the prices. 20D should be discounted quite a bit now. If it isn't, then another consideration is the 30D.

Next question is - Is that the lens you want/need for your work? Better to buy the body and the lens you need than a kit with a lens that just doesn't quite fit your needs.

Jim Rickards
 
Thanks for the replys.

THB I am quite new to SLR cameras so have (perhaps incorrectly) assumed that the bundled 18-55 lens will suit me fine for starters. For example I have shot our systems (mostly 23" x 23" cases) from about 75cm (30") on the Olympus and so I suppose need a lens which will specialise from around there in to 6" for video cards etc. I'd like it to be pretty flexible too so I can also use it outdoors for landscapes etc. As i progress I can get a more powerful zoom lens in addition.

As for the price it is up for auction.Here's the bottom line:

UK best price for new 350D (with 18-55) £440 - $790

I might be able to get the 20D for the same price if not a little less so the problem is, if I can get it for the same or less than the 350D should I?
 
If you're not considering a 30D, then I'd go for the 350D (XTi) with the dustbuster. Also, unless you really, really have no need for a better lens, I'd avoid the 18-55mm. It's cheap, but I don't know anyone (personally--there's lots of people around here that like it) that's bought that lens and not replaced with a better lens within 6 months. Save the $100.
 
I'd stick with the 20D if the price is comparable to the 250 (unless the alternative is the 400D). To kep costs down, you could consider getting a prime as a start (as long as it meets your focal range needs); e.g. the 50mm F1.8.
 
That should have been the 350D ... (not 250D)
AOKH said:
I'd stick with the 20D if the price is comparable to the 250
(unless the alternative is the 400D). To kep costs down, you could
consider getting a prime as a start (as long as it meets your focal
range needs); e.g. the 50mm F1.8.
Click to expand...
 
Neilster said:
I am quite new to SLR cameras so have (perhaps incorrectly) assumed that the bundled 18-55 lens will suit me fine for starters. For example I have shot our systems (mostly 23" x 23" cases) from about 75cm (30") on the Olympus and so I suppose need a lens which will specialise from around there in to 6" for video cards etc.
Click to expand...
Minimum focus distance for the 18-55 is 28cm, so if you want to go closer (i.e., smaller than 5x7,5 mm) you need some more hardware (close-up add-on lens / extension tube / new lens). Stopped down to f/8 or f/11 the quality should be quite good. If your products are flat you don't need to worry about the lesser DOF you get from the bigger sensor on a DSLR.

You might also want to quickly look at
http://hosting.photo.net/equipment/canon/efs18-55/review/
Neilster said:
I'd like it to be pretty flexible too so I can also use it outdoors for landscapes etc. As i progress I can get a more powerful zoom lens in addition.
Click to expand...
Good plan, IMO.
Neilster said:
I might be able to get the 20D for the same price if not a little less so the problem is, if I can get it for the same or less than the 350D should I?
Click to expand...
Yes, the 20D is better built and should last longer. Either is far more than "good enough".

2c, J
 
Thanks for all the replys.

I'll see what the bidding on the 20D goes up to however I'm not convinced by the 18-55 lens at all. Esp the manual focus, stuck right at the end of the barrel, which I keep reading is hard to use...though I'm sure the autofocus is much better than on my current cam.
 
--
Richard Katris aka Chanan
 
I would get the 20D!

--

20D, Digital Rebel, 18-55 Kit, 50mm 1.8 MKII, EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, B+W 77mm MRC UV Filter
 
Islewind said:
Unless things are different in different countries, the 350D is the
XT, the 400D is the XTi.
Click to expand...
I would recommend the 400D then. If you can't afford that over the 350D, I think you'll probably find that any lens that makes a dSLR worth having is also out of reach. You're better off with a point'n'shoot.

I'm not just saying that to be mean, either...I'm serious. There are some good pns's out there, and you'll get superior overall image quality than if you're buying a used body and using kit lenses. They're just not that sharp. On a good pns, on the other hand, the manufacturer knows you're stuck with the lens so they put pretty decent glass in there.
 
Thanks JoBo et al for the replys.

Well the bidding finished on Friday and it went for much more than the price of a 350D so I'm now thinking of going for a 350 with the standard lens kit. I'm not going to need to get as close as 6" so the kit lens will be fine. The best lens I can find for my needs seems to be the 17-85 but it's far too expensive for my first lens on a camera I don't know how to get the most out of. Suppose this should be moved to the 350 forum now then !!

Thanks

Neil
 
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